Barbara House, 66

After 27 years working in the University print shop, Barbara House is retiring.

“The people, definitely, were the best part of my job,” House said. “I love everyone
here.”

House began her tenure at MSU Billings in a temporary role. She has been the print
shop manager for about 20 years.

“After my supervisor retired, about six or seven years into being here, I was promoted
to manager and I really liked the role,” House said.

Over that time, the 66-year-old Billings native has seen a lot change in her job mostly
driven by rapid advancements in technology.

When she first arrived on campus, posting syllabi and newsletters online was not yet
an option. The press shop hustled to meet the needs of faculty and staff and often
printed at least 30 newsletters a month, lecture notes and more.

While the shop continued printing items like booklets for commencement and convocation,
as well as notepads, fliers and posters, the overall volume of jobs declined with
the growth of the internet.

“We used to have a full-time press operator and five work study students,” she said.

With the remodeling of McMullen Hall about 10 years ago, the print room relocated
and large archaic equipment was removed. The department is now much smaller and next-door
to the mailroom.

These changes allowed House to begin working in the mailroom to supplement her job
duties.

Technology drastically reduced the number of packages going in and out of campus as
well.

“Back in the day, we could have 238 packages delivered in a busy day. Today, 40 packages
is a busy day,” House said. “Everything has really changed.”

Working in the mailroom came with some benefits, she said, namely getting to know
more people at MSUB.

“The print shop used to be off by itself, mostly, and you’d only see people if they
needed something. I’ve gotten to know students and more colleagues and that has been
really fun,” House said.